Saida’s new port
completes first phase

Old port to open only to fishermen

The first phase of a new port in the Dekerman area, at the southern entrance of Saida has been completed.

It includes a 150 meter-long dock and a one-kilometer long jetty. The quay has an area of 200,000 square meters and a depth of 15 meters, which is suitable for medium sized vessels. This phase cost $17 million and took two and a half years to complete.

The second phase is awaiting the ‘Order to Proceed’ by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MoPWT). Upon the port’s completion, the jetty’s length will be extended to 450 meters. It will allow for the reception of tourist vessels. The cost of the second phase will also be $17 million and will need two years for completion.

The project is entirely funded and managed by the MoPWT. Local contractor Al Jihad for Commerce and Contracting has been commissioned for the works.

Saida Mayor Mohammad Saoudi said: “The new port will be able to receive several ships simultaneously, which would be very useful, especially in light of the traffic at the Port of Beirut. These ships will be able to dock at our port to unload their goods.”

The current Port of Saida, which receives small vessels needing a depth of up to four meters, will be open only for fisherman’s use. It is situated facing the city’s sea castle. “We prepared a project to modernize this port with the design support of the Barcelona Municipality, at a cost of $12 million,” said Saoudi.